June 22, 2011
Hangin' Out With ... Carl Crawford
by Ian Browne/
Carl Crawford's advice to young players? Keep practicing. (photo: Dave Arnold/New England Baseball Journal)
Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in the June 2011 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
How did you get started playing baseball?
“I had an uncle that played in the minor leagues. He came back home and introduced the game to me then. That’s when I first learned about it.”
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?
“Just stick with it. Keep playing. If you really like it, at some point, you’ll get in front of the right people. But the main thing is to just keep playing and keep practicing and try to get better.”
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
“Biggest highlight would probably be winning the MVP of the All-Star Game in 2010. That was one of my biggest highlights because I think that’s when I finally got on the national stage.”
How did you wind up with No. 13, especially when a lot of people consider it unlucky?
“When I was switching numbers in Tampa Bay, they only had two numbers and it was 8 and 13. I didn’t want a single-digit number so I just picked 13. I didn’t want it either then, but that was my only option.”
Who was your most influential coach or manager along the way?
“It would have to be Lou Piniella. He just put that playing-hard stuff in you every day. Once you get that in you, it pretty much stays with you. Playing for him was definitely a big learning experience for me because I was so young at the time.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“I think Al Martin, he was with us when I was young, he told me to always play hard and play the game the right way, and all those little things you’re supposed to do to stick around for a long time.”
What is your best preparation tool?
“There are a couple of things. I have to hit every day, and my downtime is important to me. That’s one thing I just have to have, a little downtime before the game. If I have to be rushing and all that stuff to go play, it kind of stinks.”
Are you superstitious or rigid with your routine?
“Not really. There’s nothing I do every day because I like to switch stuff up.”
Who is the most memorable teammate you’ve ever had?
“The first guy that pops into my head is Robert Fick. I don’t know why. He was just a funny guy.”
What’s the best part about playing in Fenway?
“The best part here is the atmosphere, definitely. You’re playing in front of a packed house every night and just that energy.”
What is your favorite visiting field?
“Probably Yankee Stadium. Great atmosphere. I like the new one better than the old one.”
FAVORITES
Movie: “A Thin Line between Love and Hate”
Actor: Denzel Washington
TV show: “I used to like to watch ‘Martin’ a lot when I was young.”
Nice meal: “Just a seafood restaurant anywhere.”
Vacation spot: “I don’t go on vacation. I just go home, back to Houston.”
Sport besides baseball: Basketball and football
Idol growing up: “Either Warren Moon or Hakeem Olajuwon, either one.”
Do you like to play video games? “I used to, but I grew out of it.”
Hobby: “Yeah, resting and relaxing.”
EQUIPMENT
Bat: Louisville 219, 34 inches, 32 ounces
Batting gloves: Nike
Glove: Rawlings
Spikes: Nike
